152 / 2026-03-31 20:23:57

Neutron source–driven production of 229mTh

nuclear physcis,229mTh

极端条件下的基础物理 > 极端条件下的原子物理、核物理与等离子体物理

Thorium-229 (²²⁹Th) possesses a uniquely low-energy nuclear isomer (^229mTh), which serves as a promising foundation for next-generation nuclear clocks offering unprecedented precision and stability. The ability to produce and control ^229mTh is essential for advancing these technologies and for exploring fundamental physics. In this work, we present a novel method to generate ^229mTh via neutron capture. By utilizing a neutron source, the isomeric state can be efficiently populated, providing a reliable supply of  ^229mTh for experimental studies. This approach opens new opportunities for the development of nuclear clocks and enables precision investigations of fundamental interactions and constants using this exceptional nuclear system.